Leaving from Ouistreham in Normandy, the Vélo Francette finishes its race in La Rochelle, in Charente-Maritime. This 622 kilometer route has an astonishing diversity of landscapes. Along the route, there is a summary of all the landscapes of the French terroir: beaches, lakes, bocage, forests, canals, marshes, cliffs, countryside, plateaus, villages, etc. Three stages: 19, 20 and 21 of the itinerary, pass through the Marais Poitevin and allow a very good overview of the fauna and flora of this territory.
Stage 19, from Niort to Coulon
This flat 19,7 km stage immediately immerses you in the atmosphere of the Green Venice with its labyrinth of canals and paths. A stage in the village of Magné, allows you to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the market garden villages.
Stage 20, from Coulon to Damvix
This 20,2 km stage immerses you even further in a spectacular landscape typical of our marshes. Here, we are immersed in a maze of conchs that we cross by typical humpback footbridges. You follow the Sèvre Niortaise until you arrive at the very pretty village of Damvix.
Stage 21, from Damvix to Marans
A 27,4 km stage always along the Sèvre Niortaise which forms the link between wet and dry marshes. Here, you are at the crossroads of 3 departments, Charente Maritime, Deux Sèvres and Vendée. Along your route, take the time to admire the Bazoin hydraulic node and its locks. The arrival in Marans offers you the first signs of the opening towards the sea, you will only have to along the canal from Marans to La Rochelle to completely complete this magnificent route.